Fierce female TV and movie characters we love

While TV shows and movies are a great form of entertainment, they can also portray strong messages, such as strong, feminist characters. These women are strong, independent and aren’t afraid to go after what they want. All traits that the media should be teaching young men and women.

Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)

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It’s no secret that I love Emma Swan. She’s my absolute favorite fictional character ever. Emma’s strong, independent, selfless and vulnerable. She helps others before she helps herself, showing her selflessness. To top it off, Emma doesn’t need a man to save her. In fact, she tells Hook that she’s the only one who saves herself, portraying her air of total independence and feminism. While she has her walls up during a lot of the series, Emma isn’t afraid to be vulnerable — she isn’t afraid to let love in when she knows it feels right. Because Hook is the best for her. Emma also taught us that it’s okay to have flaws and feel like quitting because that’s normal. She isn’t perfect and never pretends to be. She always does what is right, even when it is hard for her. Emma Swan is a rare breed in the world of pop culture, and she’s an amazing example of a fierce female that women and men of all ages should look up to. Despite her rotten past, she doesn’t let that haunt her future because as she exclaimed, “I’m not nothing. I was never nothing!” She’s a woman who embraces who she is in the face of adversity.

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

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Leslie Knope is the queen of going after what she wants. In a career field dominated by men, Leslie is never afraid to face-off to earn what she is qualified for. She fights tooth and nail, even when things get dicey. Her determination to never give up on herself (or others) shows how fierce she is. I love that when she sets her mind to something, her belief that she can do it never hinders. It starts with filling in the pit to create a park, to running for city council. And eventually, her efforts paid off. Leslie is smart, determined and quirky, making her a force to be reckoned with.

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

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Katniss was kind of my fictional role model during my high school years. Number 1, Katniss taught us how selfless she is. From volunteering to take her little sister’s place in The Hunger Games, to continuously saving Peeta’s life, Katniss looked out for others. Also, she basically raised herself, her sister and her mother when she was a teenager. A TEENAGER. However, even though Katniss is definitely brave, she also has moments where she is scared, which is normal. Even though she was created in a dystopian world, she is such a real character. The perfect role model for young women as well. Katniss is also another example of a woman not needing a man to swoop in and save her. She did that pretty well on her own, but eventually, she did let love in. Aw, Peeta.

Syd Barrett (Legion)

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It’s always nice to see a strong and fierce female on a show centered around a male protagonist. Throughout the two-season run of the show, she sees the good in everyone and embraces her flaws. Syd does what she wants or what is right no matter the circumstances. “Who teaches us to be normal when we’re one of a kind?” This quote from Syd rings true — we should all embrace the quirks that make us who we are. After all, we are one of a kind, and Syd teaches us that it’s okay that we are. And who can deny her strength in a fight scene? Not only that, but she’s an empathetic character.

Iris West (The Flash)

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So I’m only on season 1 of the show, but it’s enough for me to know Iris West is pretty amazing. She has goals, and she makes sure people know her worth. As seen from the above quote, Iris has her eyes set on her goal, and she’ll do anything to prove her worth. We see that by her reporting about The Flash, even though it has the potential to be dangerous. You go, girl.

It’s important for TV and movies to portray strong females! I could go on and on, but I’ll leave you with these amazing ladies for now. Who’s your favorite fierce female? Comment below or tweet me!

Madeline is a college student majoring in journalism with a minor in broadcasting. When she isn't writing for Hollywood News Source, Talk Nerdy With Us or her college's paper, she's drinking too much coffee and probably fangirling over Captain Swan. She also likes to watch Hallmark movies and mercilessly rewatches 'Once Upon a Time'.